The auto industry these days has its
eyes on Hyundai. Hyundai has made great strides over the past two
decades when it comes to improving its quality, reliability, and
public image. Hyundai has gone from making the simply terrible Excel
from the 80s to making credible luxury sedans like the Genesis
and Equus today (along with a
full stable of more mainstream vehicles).

Now, Hyundai is looking to make a huge
leap in fuel efficiency for its vehicles according to Detroit
News. Hyundai's North American CEO, John Krafcik, is looking to
boost the fleet fuel efficiency average from a current level of 30.9
mpg (the industry's highest total) to a whopping 50 mpg within the
next 15 years.

"We're committing today to a 50
mpg target by 2025," stated Krafcik. "We're all in. Let's
go as far as we can. We don't know how to get there."

Hyundai will need to devote as much as
20 percent of its production to hybrid/plug-in
hybrid vehicles and roughly 5 percent of production to electric
vehicles to meet that lofty goal.

Hyundai is already well on its way to
boosting fuel efficiency across the board with its mainstream
vehicles. The Hyundai Sonata is among
the most fuel efficient midsize family sedans available on the
U.S. market with fuel economy ratings of 24/35 mpg city/highway with
its standard 198 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. For those that
crave more power, the 274 hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine
option beats its competitors' V6 offerings in power and fuel
efficiency at 22/34 mpg.

The "discount" brands really are making a run for it. KIA has come a long way in terms of quality too. The new optima hybrid is coming this fall as well.I find with the discount brands offer a lot more base model features and upgrades at a lower price over Honda, Toyota, etc.. Like the microsoft SYNC system and stuff like that.

"Game reviewers fought each other to write the most glowing coverage possible for the powerhouse Sony, MS systems. Reviewers flipped coins to see who would review the Nintendo Wii. The losers got stuck with the job." -- Andy Marken